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Small-Scale Question Sunday for May 21, 2023

Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?

This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.

Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.

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Digestifs seem to be a very European phenomenon. All across Europe, most countries have some types of liquors that many people drink a small amount of after their dinner to "aid digestion". Grappa is one popular example. Aperitifs are a similar phenomenon, meant to be drank before a meal.

However, I remember hearing previously that any alcohol consumption will actually hinder digestion, by needing to be processed in a lengthy manner.

Is there any support for digestives and aperitifs actually working? What does "aid digestion" actually mean? Does it mean that it makes you feel less full? Does it help increase your metabolism?

I'd imagine it does all bad things that alcohol normally does but it makes you feel better which is what counts. In the same way I've found getting drunk is a good cure for painful cuts and injuries, it's not that it actually cures anything directly but you get to ignore the pain while another day of natural healing passes.